Lewis and Clark Smallmouths

by John Holt

Cruising across the country on the interstate may be a relatively quick and convenient way to travel, but many things of value are lost in the process--including topnotch angling opportunities.

A prime example is the fine smallmouth bass fishing found in the southeastern corner of South Dakota along the Missouri River. In the miles and miles of reedbeds and back bays of the river above Lewis and Clark Lake there is some excellent fishing for bronzebacks. The fish there average close to two pounds and may reach the five-pound mark.

This 40-mile stretch between the head of the lake and Fort Randall Dam upstream offers smallmouth action that is virtually unknown to the angling public; even area residents often overlook this resource.

This is beautiful country with tall ochre-colored bluffs defining countless miles of emerald water. Fishing here is like being transported back in time 100 years. Once off the main stem of the Missouri, you will rarely see another angler. Some of the water has never been fished, simply because there is just too much of it. Also, the scouring action of the mighty Missouri changes and adds new habitat yearly, monthly, weekly--even daily.

Black-and-silver minnow imitations of two- to four-inches or medium-sized spinners (1/8- to 3/8-ounce) worked tight to the reedbeds, into downed snags, and beneath overhanging trees are your best bets for smallmouths. The daily limit is five, ten in possession.

A bonus to the bass are Lewis and Clark's northern pike. The fish zoom up from submerged weedbeds to hit the same lures that garner the attention of the smallmouths. They range in size from 4-10 pounds. These are firm river-run northerns that put up a strong, deep-water fight.

On a recent trip to Lewis and Clark Lake, a rough storm front passed through, followed by a high-pressure system--normally sure-fire indications that the fishing will be virtually nonexistent for a few days. But even under these adverse conditions, my guide, Dave Dringman, led me to plenty of action for both smallmouths and northerns.

Medium to lightweight spinning and baitcasting gear, rigged with 6- to 8-pound line, is ideal for this type of fishing. Ultralight tackle is great sport for bass, but the northern's toothy mouths instantly chew up the two- and four-pound line.

A six-weight fly rod, using both bugs and streamers cast tight to the reeds, will also take smallmouths, especially in the spring. The warmer water of summer puts the fish down, though some can be taken on lures worked at the bases of the reedbeds. The action picks up again with the cooler nights and shorter days of September.

No matter what type of equipment you're using, start with a fairly rapid retrieve. If this fails to produce, vary the speed and make the lure--particularly minnows--behave erratically. Bass key on forage fish that appear sick or wounded.

For those with their own boats, there are ramps all along Lewis and Clark Lake, which is 25 miles long, with 90 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 45 feet. There is also a boat ramp on the Missouri at Running Water just off State Highway 37.

The river features a mostly sandy bottom, but snags and submerged sandbars dictate caution, especially for those unfamiliar with the water. Even local guides travel with a light foot through the myriad braided channels that hold the bass and pike. These secluded, mini-waterways are the top stretches to target for bronzebacks.

Superb smallmouth fishing, bonus action on northern pike, and a secluded setting are three excellent reasons that make South Dakota's Lewis and Clark Lake worth discovering.

Proven Lures and Flies

There is some truth to the notion that it is not the type of lure or fly you use, but how well you use it that counts. All the same, the following selections have proven themselves over time as top smallmouth producers.

Top Lures: Mepps Elix and Aglia spinners, Panther Martin spinners, Rapala balsa wood minnows, Silver Shad Bass Magnet, Dardevle spoons

Top Flies: Woolly Bugger--olive or black. Matuka Sculpin, Black Leech, Crawfish, Poppers

Trip Planner

If you plan to fish for smallmouths at Lewis and Clark Lake, Yankton, South Dakota, is the best city in which to stay. It is reached from Interstate 90 by heading south for 63 miles from Sioux Falls on Interstate 29. Then turn west on State Highway 50 for 33 miles to town.

A good place to camp is at the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, R.R. 1, Box 240, Yankton, S. Dakota 57078, phone 605-668-2985. Another option is to reserve a room at Lewis and Clark Resort, Box 754, Yankton, S. Dakota 57078, phone 605-665-6024. The nearby Midcontinent Marina Services (Box 19, Yankton, S. Dakota 57078) offers everything the boater needs, from rental boats to a restaurant.

Fishing tackle is available at Dakota Archery and Outdoor Sports, 2301 E. Hwy. 50, Yankton, S. Dakota 57078, phone 605-665-8340.

Further planning information is available from the Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce, Box 588 W, 218 W. Fourth, Yankton, S. Dakota 57078, phone 800-888-1460.

If you prefer a guided fishing trip, contact Dave Dringman at DC Guide Services, 1104 E. 14th, Yankton, S. Dakota 57078, telephone 605-665-1146. Rates for either one or two anglers are $150 for five hours minimum, and $30/hour thereafter.


Copyright (c) 1996 John Holt. All rights reserved.

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